Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Andrew Harris has been suspended after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Blue and Gold announced Monday that the popular running back has been suspended for two games.
Harris said in a statement that he is in shock and disbelief.
“I immediately thought there had to be some kind of mistake,” said Harris.
“I am told that this substance typically can stays in the body for up to four weeks, so trace amounts in my system 10 days after testing cleanly makes it clear that I did not purposefully ingest any banned substance.”
The CFL said Harris tested positive for Metandienone, a type of steroid that has fallen out of favour for medical use.
“Players who test positive face a two-game suspension for a first doping violation, a nine-game suspension for a second violation, a one-year suspension for a third violation, and a lifetime ban for a fourth violation.”
This is Harris’ only positive test in his career. The suspension means Harris will miss the Labour Day Classic in Saskatchewan and the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg.
Harris told the media Monday he was taking a supplement from a health store that he believes was contaminated. He wouldn’t say what brand of supplement it was or where he purchased.
He found out about the test three weeks ago and appealed, he said, but the second sample also tested positive for the same trace amounts of substance.
“Yesterday I addressed the team and that was the hard part,” said Harris.
“It’s been emotional the last few weeks. My teammates have been very supportive … they know that I would never, again, do something like this intentionally.”
Harris got emotional before he said he understand’s the CFL’s zero-tolerance policy and will “face the music” on the suspension.
QB Matt Nichols, who is currently on the six-game injured list for the Bombers, said Harris spoke to him personally before addressing the team.
“He has a strong support system, I’ve already told him that I’m right there with him,” said Nichols.
The last Bomber to face a suspension for testing positive to a banned substance was offensive lineman Qadr Spooner, who sat two games after testing positive for methasterone in August 2018.
The full statement from Harris:
“Throughout my four years playing here in Winnipeg, I have been drug tested more than any other player on our team to the point that it has become a running joke within our locker room. This year alone I’ve been tested three times: The first time on March 1, 2019 in the off-season, followed by July 2nd (blood and urine samples), and finally 10 days later on July 12 through a urine sample.
Somehow on July 12, just ten days after a test that came back completely clean, I was notified that I had tested positive for the first time in my career with very small trace of a banned substance. I’m still in shock and disbelief at the news. I immediately thought there had to be some kind of mistake.
The timeline makes it very clear — I was not using a banned substance for performance enhancing purposes, nor was I aware that I was taking any supplements with any banned substances in them. Based on the fact pattern, this is clearly a case of product contamination.
Nonetheless, I am devastated by the idea of missing two important games with my teammates. More importantly, I want football fans and young athletes around this country to know that I have not and would never cheat. People know my history and my background, and I have always taken tremendous pride in having overcome adversity through sheer force of will. I would never risk my career and the respect of my teammates, coaches and the fans in this manner.
I am told that this substance typically can stays in the body for up to four weeks, so trace amounts in my system 10 days after testing cleanly makes it clear that I did not purposefully ingest any banned substance.
I’ve spent countless hours of training, running, studying, rehabbing, succeeding and failing, and have put in blood sweat and tears to get to where I stand today. My road to becoming a starter in the CFL was extremely difficult, and I take a lot of pride in the honest blue collar work I’ve put in to reach this point in my career. This is why this announcement is very difficult for me.
I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am, and I pride myself on being not only a great role model to my daughter and youth throughout our country, but to my peers as well. As unsettling and painful as this is to me and my family, I hope this can be a helpful reminder to all athletes about being extremely cautious and aware of what they are taking and putting into their bodies.
I’m very sorry to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for this unexpected result, and I can’t wait to rejoin my teammates and the city of Winnipeg in our quest to bring a Grey Cup to this wonderful city that I am fortunate enough to call home. Thank you.”
Statement from Bombers CEO Wade Miler:
“The Canadian Football League today announced that Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris has been suspended for two games, effective immediately, after testing positive for a banned substance under the policy of the CFL and Canadian Football League Players’ Association.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers fully support the CFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs and have fully cooperated with the CFL in regard to this matter.
The Winnipeg Football Club also supports Andrew Harris through this extremely difficult and unfortunate situation. We look forward to Andrew re-joining us on the field for game days following the bye week.”
Statement from Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach, Mike O’Shea:
“As someone who has coached Andrew for four seasons now, I know first hand the hard work and dedication he puts into his career as a true professional. Andrew has been tested eight times since becoming a member of the Blue Bombers, three times this season, including ten days prior to the test that came back positive. While this is an extremely unfortunate situation, I support Andrew and look forward to his return in a few weeks.”
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